Things to do in Ngabang Town, Landak Kalimantan Barat Indonesia

Ever since the bus route between Kuching and Pontianak shifted from the old to the current one via Tayan, Ngabanghas become less significant. It used to be the stopover point instead of Sosok and tourists from Kuching on the way back would take the opportunity to buy the popular frozen prawn sausage from one of the coffeeshops nearest to the main road.

The old town area consists mainly of Chinese shops and nothing has changed since the last 30 years. The gravel roads are still full of puddles here and there like they have never been tar sealed. Such a pity. The inner most lane double up as a market place early in the morning. Business could start as early as 7am. Having breakfast here was most interesting as we watched a very traditional way of transaction where fish, meat, fruits, cakes and vegetables were sold in wheelbarrows, bicycles, wooden boxes or just a piece of plastic sheet on the ground.

Morning market

Tempe / Fermented soy beans

Colourful cakes

The nearby bus terminal is currently in such a pathetic state it should be demolished and replaced with an additional fresh mart/foodcourt instead. Just my idea! Another place of interest for a short visit here is the ‘keraton’ or the palace which is about a kilometer away. There is a caretaker right opposite the keraton and he holds the key to the humble wooden palace which is not magnificent by today’s standard. Artifacts and photos of the old raja are still very well taken care of. No fees are charged but there is a donation box for visitors to contribute to the upkeep of the place. Next….Desa Saham Longhouse.